Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, Valencia

The Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados is the sight of the statue of the namesake virgin of the basilica. The basilica, attached to the Cathedral by a magnificent renaissance archway, competes with the cathedral in its ability to attract the faithful. It is the sanctuary of the Geperudeta (the Little Hunchback), the virgin who is known for her efforts to protect the less fortunate. The statue itself is Gothic, with a Byzantine face, a long head of hair and is adorned by numerous jewels donated by the faithful. The basilica was constructed between 1652 and 1667 by Diego Martínez Ponce de Urruana.